Deep throat punch and die holder



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P. H. TAYLOR DEEP THROAT PUNCH AND DIE HOLDERA Nov. 23, l1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Jan. 29 1951 Paz!! ifi. Taylor Qforneg NOW 23 1954 F. H. TAYLOR DEEP THRDAT PUNCH AND DIE HOLDER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 29, 1951 JNVENTOR. Paul H. Tai/0r Q E150 P73659.

Patented Nov. 23, 1954 2,695,062 DEEP THROAT PUNCH AND DIE HOLDER Paul H. Taylor, Grand Island, N. Y., assiguor to Wales- Strippit Corporation, North Tonawanda, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application January 29, 1951, Serial No. 208,366 8 Claims. (Cl. 164-86) This invention relates to improvements in holders for cooperating punch and die elements, and more particularly the invention is concerned with holders of the type having upper and lower frame members connected at one end by a shank, the free ends of the frame members being operative to support the punch and die elements in aligned, spaced-apart relation so that work-pieces to be punched may be introduced between them. Such holders and the punch and die elements carried thereby, together with suitable stripping and lifting means, are ordinarily in the form of self-contained, unit assemblies and may be employed in connection with a punch press in such a manner that the ram of the press may be utilized to actuate the punch.

A holder of the type generally described has an elongated throat to enable work-pieces to be punched a substantial distance from their edges, as the latter may extend into the throat to the extent determined by the shank of the holder.

Punch presses with which such a holder may be employed ordinarily include a table upon which the holder is supported so that the punch may be actuated by the ram of the press, the ram being located adjacent the forward edge of the table and the supporting structure for the ram and actuating mechanism including a vertical column at the rear of the table. Existing punch and die holders when employed in connection with such a press have the objection that as the shank of the holder is located in front of the column at the rear of the press table, it has been impossible to punch work-pieces as far from their edges as would otherwise be possible on the particular press employed. In other words, the use of such a holder has prevented the full throat depth of the press from being utilized.

A punch press designed to overcome the above objection is disclosed in the George F. Wales Patent No. 2,364,011 of November 28, 1944, wherein the supporting column at the rear of the table is recessed to accommodate the shank of the punch and die holder, thereby enabling work-pieces to be punched a maximum distance from their edges, as permissible with the particular press employed, without any limitation being imposed in this respect by the shank of the holder.

Recessing of the press column in the manner described, however, weakens the column with the result that deilection of the parts of the press carried thereby may occur. This objection has, in some instances, been overcome by increasing the dimensions of, or otherwise reinforcing, the column. Such expedients in themselves are objectionable as they increase the weight of the press and add to manufacturing costs.

The principal object of the present invention, therefore, is to overcome the above objections, this object contemplating a holder of the character generally described which may be employed in connection with a punch press in such a manner that the holder does not impose any restrictions with respect to the distance the workpieces may be punched from their edges.

A further object is a punch and die holder which is so designed that the maximum distance a work-piece may be accommodated in the throat of the press is not reduced by the use of the holder, this object having in view a holder which renders unnecessary any modication of the press in order to enable the punching of work-pieces a maximum distance from their edges.

A further object is to provide a punch and die holder ofv novel contour, whereby the rear of the holder bounds,

or extends alongside, the column of the press in which it is mounted for use.

Another object is to provide a novel punch and die holder having a base which is operatively slidable in a channel in the table of the press so that the base of the holder may extend approximately to the column of the press and the shank of the holder may extend past the column to thereby increase the capacity of the holder, with respect to a particular press, over existing holders.

A further object is to provide a punch and die holder having an arm which, although laterally offset with respect to the base by which it is carried, is adequately supported against deflection while having the necessary stability for use in presses of standard design.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear as the following description thereof proceeds, and its novel features will be set forth in the annexed claims.

ln the drawings illustrating what is considered to be a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure l is a side elevation of a punch press, a punch and die holder embodying the features of the invention being operatively associated therewith.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the holder in operative position in a punch press, a portion of the press being shown in section.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the rear portion of the holder of Figure 2 and is taken approximately along line 3 3 of Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a view of the punch and die holder, shown partly in side elevation and partly in vertical section,v

taken along line 4 4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical transverse section of the holder and adjacent parts of the press, taken approximately along line 5 5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section of the holder and associated parts of the press, taken along line 6 6 of Figure 4.

In order to present a clear and useful understanding of the novel and improved punch and die holder of this invention, a brief description of a punch press or machine with which it may be used, and which is illustrated in outline in Figure l, will rst be described.

The punch press shown is of known construction, including a base or pedestal 10 rising from the floor and supporting the press table. Extending upwardly at a distance from the front 12 of the pedestal, and at the rear of the table carried thereby, is a column 14 from tlhe upper end of which projects forwardly a press head A housing 20 (Figure l) extends upwardly from and at the rear of the pedestal to the top thereof and thence projects forwardly to embrace the rear of the column 14. It then continues to, and extends about, the top rear portion of the head 16.

The forward end of the head 16 mounts a suitable reciprocatory ram R which is caused to operate over the forward edge of the table, in repeat cycles, so that the lower end of the ram will engage and actuate a punch P in the holder, designated generally at H, to punch holes in work-pieces placed in the machine, one after another. Suitable mechanism, not shown, for operating the ram R may be confined within the head 16, the housing 20 and the rear portion of the pedestal 10.

Extending along the top of the press table from the front wall 12 to the front of the column 14 is a punch and die holder receiving channel 30. The opposite side edge portions of the latter are dened by upstanding ribs 32, each terminating below its top edge in a lateral, outwardly directed, horizontal shoulder 34 (Figure 5).

Each shoulder 34 continues rearwardly along the adjacent side wall 36 of the post 14 to the lower upright section of the housing 20.

Secured respectively to the opposite shoulders 34 are right-hand and left-hand table sections 38 formed of metal sheets, the top faces of which are flush with the top edges of the ribs 32. These sections 38 have suitably anged outer side and front edges positioned outwardly beyond the pedestal 10.

As shown in Figure 1, the bottom wall 40 of the channel 30, terminating at the shoulders 34, connects at the front with the pedestal front wall 12 and at the rear with the transverse front wall 42 of the column 14, the latter having side walls 36. The wall 42, in turn, merges at the top thereof into the transverse bottom wall 44 of the press head 16 (Figure l).

Thus the three main elements 10, 14 and 16 of the press frame are of integral construction.

Having now sufficiently described a punch press with which the invention may be used to enable the special features and advantages of the novel punch and die holder to be readilyunderstood, a description of the holder follows. I

The holder H is preferably of one-piece, unitary construction, and of elongated C-shape, having members 50 and 52 connected at their rear end portions by a shank or section S4.

The lower member 50, hereinafter called the base of the holder, is preferably of rectangular cross section (Figure to enable it to slide lengthwise in and t the channel 3i) of the press, with its top horizontal face S6 lying flush with the edges of the ribs 32 and the righthand and left-hand table sections 38.

When in operating position, the holder base 50 projects slightly forward of the end of the channel 30, the latter being cut away at 58 (Figures 2 and 4) to enable the holder to be grasped and lifted for ready insertion and removal. The rear end of the base 50 preferably terminates near the front wall 42 of the press column 14 (Figures 2 and 3).

The upper member, or arm, 52 of the holder is also of rectangular cross section. Referring to Figure 6, it will be seen that this arm, is in plan, directed at an angle to the base 50 with its rear end portion 60 disposed laterally at one side of said base and alongside the column 14 of the press frame.

To thus support the arm 52 from the base 50, the shank 54 is made of novel form. As shown in the drawings, the lower end of the shank 54 includes a laterally and rearwardly extending portion comprising a horizontal pad 62 projecting upwardly from and integral with the top rear part of the top face 56 of the base and continuing thence laterally to the right over and upon the edge of the adjacent rib 32 and the contiguous portion of the right hand table section 38.

The pad 62 then merges into an upright longitudinally arcuate portion which merges with and, in effect, becomes a downwardly directed end portion of arm 52. The pad 62, thus formed, provides a lateral extension on the base, and resting on the top of the table, gives adequate support for the shank S4 and arm 52, the latter extending angularly from the shank toward and over the base so that the free end of the arm 52 may support the punch P in alignment with the die with which the punch cooperates.

The parts 54 and 52 are of adequate cross section to afford stability to the arm and prevent deection thereof in the use of the holder.

By the novel form of the holder, as described above, the rear portion of the arm 52 is carried around and alongside the column 14 of the press, where it will be seen that the front face of the shank 54 is opposite, or slightly rearward, of the front face of wall 42 of the press column.

Thereby it is evident that the throat T of the holder H is adapted to receive a sheet or work-piece X (Figure 4), the rear edge of which may, if desired, enter the throat of the holder until it engages the press column 14. The maximum throat depth of the punch press may thus be utilized, if desired.

The punch P carried by holder H may bey of any form suitable for use in the holder and press described, such as the punch in the assembly disclosed in Wales Patent 2,364,011 referred to heretofore. As illustrated, it is arranged in an assemebly axially disposed in a vertical bore 70 in the free end of the arm 52 and under the ram R (Figures 2 and 4). The punch P is slidably engaged in a stripping guide or sleeve 72 with the lower end of the punch disposed in a guide button 74. The upper end of the stripping sleeve 72 is shouldered to bear on a stripping spring 76 resting on the button 74.

The button 74, the preloaded stripper spring 76 and the punch P are movably supported by fingers 78 resting on lifting springs 80 in the end of arm 52.

When the ram R descends, the punch P is engaged and depresses spring 76 and springs 80 while the lower end of the punch passes down through. the work and into the axial passage of a die D in a bore 84 in the front 4 end of the holder base 50. The die D rests on the bottom of channel 30 in the press, in which is provided a discharge port 86 for ejection of punched slugs.

Elevation of the ram R after a punching stroke enables the spring 76 to strip the work-piece from the punch and the punch assembly to be restored to its upper position by the lifter springs 80.

Such a punch and die assembly is well known in the art and more detailed description of its construction and operation is deemed unnecessary.

However, it should here be mentioned that the upper end of the die D projects slightly above the top face of a pad 88 on the base 50, said face being in the horizontal plane of the top face of pad 62. Thus, at workpieces are supported generally in a horizontal plane while in the press. The natural tendency of such work, when of considerable area, will enable the pieces to flex and rest on the table plates 38.

From the foregoing description of the construction of the holder H, it will be observed that the punch P and die D are in axial alignment and are disposed in a vertical plane which includes the longitudinal center of the base Sii and press column 14.

The novel form of the holder H is such that it enables the press to punch work-pieces at greater distances from their edges than the same press having holders in which the shank is located in front of the column 14. The latter remains unchanged in position and the thickness of its walls remain as before, so that greater weight and increased cost of the press is avoided. The press remains unchanged in other respects also.

By the use of the holder described, the full depth of the throat of the press is utilized. For example, since the depth of the holder throat T, as measured from the axis of the punch P and die D to the front of the shank 54, may be eighteen inches` the holder H will allow the press to operate on a standard thirty-six inch sheet since an edge of such a sheet may enter 'the throat of the press until it engages the column 14. This allows the punch to work approximately on or near the center of such a sheet.

it will be apparent from the foregoing that the holder described has the advantage that its throat is of at least the depth of the throat of the press in which it is employed. Consequently, as noted, the maximum throat depth of the press may be utilized and the use of the holder of the invention does not in any way reduce the useful depth of the throat of the press. This advantage is attained without requiring any alteration, or moditication, of the press which may be of standard design.

Although the holder of the invention has been illustratcd in connection with a specific form of press, it is to be understood that this is intended by way of example only and that the holder may be employed to equal advantage in connection with different types of presses.

l claim as my invention:

l. A holder for cooperating punch and die elements, `vhich holder is adapted to be employed in connection with a press that has a table `formed with a channel in which said holder is supported, a ram located over said table for actuating said punch element, and a supporting column extending upwardly at the rear of said table, said holder having spaced-apart lower and upper frame members which carry said punch and die elements at their forward ends and which normally support said elements in spaced-apart, aligned relation so that a workpiece may be introduced between them, said lower frame member having a lateral extension at its rear at one side, and a shank connecting the rear end of said lateral extension with the rear end of said upper member, said shank being laterally offset at one side of said lower member and cooperating with said members to define u throat which the work-piece enters when it is introduced between said punch and die elements, said shank being adapted to be located at one side laterally of said column so that the work-piece may be introduced into said throat substantially as far as said column.

2. A holder for cooperating punch and die elements, which holder is adapted to be employed in connection with a press that has a table formed with a channel, a ram located over said table for actuating said punch clement, and a supporting column extending upwardly at the rear of said table, said holder having a base, which is adapted to occupy said channel, and an arm, said base and arm carrying, respectively, said punch and die elements at their forward ends and normally supporting said elements in spaced-apart aligned relation so that a workpiece may be introduced between them, said base having a lateral extension at its rear at one side, and a shank connecting the rear end of said arm to the rear end of said extension, said shank being laterally offset at one side of said base and cooperating with said arm and base to define a throat which the work-piece enters when it is introduced between said punch and die elements, said shank being adapted to be located rearwardly of the rear end of said base and at one side laterally of said column so that the work-piece may be introduced into said throat substantially as far as said column.

3. A punch and die holder for use in a punch press or the like in which is included a Work-supporting table from which projects a column at a distance rearwardly from the front edge thereof, a guide channel for said holder in said table and having its rear end which is disposed adjacent the front face o1 said column, said holder having a base engageable in said guide channel with its rear end adjacent the front face of said column, the front end of said base being fashioned to support a die, said base having a lateral extension at its rear and at one side, and a shank which is connected to the rear end of said extension and which projects upwardly alongside said column in rear of said base, and an arm projecting forwardly from said shank in spaced-relation to said base to provide therebetween a throat which a workpiece may enter, the front end of said arm overlying the front end of said base and being fashioned to support a punch in axial alignment with said die.

4. An elongated, C-shaped punch and die holder for use in a punch press or like machine in which is included a work-supporting table from which a column projects at a distance rearwardly from the front edge thereof, a guide channel for said holder in said table, the rear end of said channel extending adjacent the front face of said column, said holder having an elongated base engageable in said guide channel and a front end which is fashioned to support a die, the rear end of said base being disposed adjacent said front face of said column, said holder base having a lateral extension at its rear at one side, a shank extending therefrom which is offset laterally and rearwardly with respect to the rear end of said base and which projects upwardly alongside said column and which has a front face at or in rear of the front of said column, and an elongated arm projecting forwardly from said shank in spaced relation to said holder base to provide therebetween a throat which a work-piece may enter until it approaches said column, the front end of said arm overlying the front end of said base and being fashioned to support a punch in axial alignment with said die.

5. A punch and die holder for use in a punch press or the like in which is included a work-supporting table from which projects a column at a distance rearwardly from the front edge thereof, a guide channel for said holder in said table, the rear end of said guide channel terminating adjacent the front face of said column, said holder having a base engageable in said guide channel with its rear end adjacent the front face of said column, the front end of said base being fashioned to support a die, said base having on the top face at its rear end a pad which is continued laterally to one .side of and rearwardly beyond said base, a shank projectingupwardly from the extended portion of said pad at saidl side of said base, and an arm passing forwardly from said shank in spaced relation to said base and thefront end of which overlies said base and which is fashioned to support a punch in axial alignment with said die.

6. A punch and die holder for use in a punch press or the like in which is included a work-supporting table from which projects a column at a distance rearwardly from the front edge thereof, there being a guide charinel for said holder in said table, the rear end of said channel terminating adjacent the front face of said column, said holder having a substantially straight base of generally rectangular cross section engageable in said guide channel with its rear end disposed adjacent the front face of said column and having its front end fashioned to support a die, said base having an extension at its rear end which projects laterally and rearwardly of said base, and a shank connected to and extending upwardly from the rear end of said extension for connection at its upper end to an arm reaching forwardly and angularly from said shank over said holder base, the front free end of said arm overlying said base and being disposed above said die and fashioned to support a punch in axial alignment with said die.

7. A punch and die holder for use in a punch press or the like in which is included a work-supporting table from which projects a column at a distance rearwardly from the front edge thereof, there being a guide channel for said holder in said table, the rear end of said channel terminating adjacent the front face of said column, said holder having a substantially straight base of generally rectangular cross section engageable in said guide channel with its rear end disposed adjacent the front face of said column and having its front end formed with a pad and vertically apertured to receive a die, an arm, an upstanding shank, and another pad on the rear portion of said base which projects therefrom laterally to one side of said base and thence rearwardly to connect with the lower end of said shank, the upper end of said shank, in turn, connecting with said arm, said arm projecting forwardly and angularly from said shank over said base and being spaced from said base to form a throat which a work-piece may enter substantially as far as said column and rest upon said front and rear pads, said arm being fashioned to support a punch in axial alignment with said die.

8. A punch and die holder for use in a punch press or like machine in which is included a work-supporting table having a holder receiving channel therein from the rear end of which a column projects with a front wall thereof crosswise of said channel and a side wall thereof extending rearwardly, said holder having a base engageable in said channel with its front end fashioned to support a die and its rear end positioned adjacent said front wall of said column, an arm, a shank, and a part at the rear end of said holder base which extends alongside and is spaced from said column front wall and which extends thence rearwardly along and is spaced from said side wall thereof and which is connected to said shank, said shank projecting upwardly alongside said column side wall, and said arm projecting forwardly from the upper end of said shank in spaced relation to the base of said holder to provide a throat, said arm overlying said base at its front end and being fashioned at its front end to support a punch in axial alignment with said die.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 89,851 Churchill May 11, 1869 1,462,559 Leschhorn July 24, 1923 2,364,011 Wales Nov. 28, 1944 

